By KPC Sports Reporter
Ethiopian athletics legend Haile Gebreselassie and reigning world marathon champion Alphonce Simbu will be the chief guests at the 22nd edition of the Sports Personality of the Year (SOYA) Awards.
The event is set for April 10 at Uhuru Gardens.
Speaking during the media launch on Wednesday, SOYA founder Paul Tergat said the inclusion of the two stars reflects a broader strategy to position the awards as a continental platform.
“Under our 2025–2030 strategy, we see SOYA growing into the East African region and beyond, establishing a platform that reflects the potential and strength of African sport,” said Tergat.
Gebreselassie, widely regarded as one of the greatest distance runners of all time, boasts two Olympic gold medals in the 10,000m, four world titles, and made history as the first man to run a sub-2:04 marathon at the 2008 Berlin Marathon before retiring in 2015.
Simbu, on the other hand, represents a rising force in African marathon running.
The Tanzanian clinched the world marathon title in Tokyo last year, adding to his bronze medal at the 2023 World Championships in Budapest and a silver medal at the 2022 Commonwealth Games in Birmingham.
Their presence is expected to elevate this year’s gala, which recognizes outstanding sports personalities from grassroots to elite levels while promoting the growth of sport across the continent.
“Because African excellence deserves African platforms that can stand on the global stage, we hope to see the SOYA Gala embody this spirit,” Tergat said.
The launch also marked the signing of a memorandum of understanding between SOYA and Homeboyz Entertainment to establish a SOYA Academy aimed at nurturing talent beyond recognition.
“From SOYA Conversations to the Sports Media Lab and Innovation Hub, we are creating a space where the next generation can learn, grow, and find their voice,” Tergat said. “Our goal is not just to celebrate excellence, but to build systems that sustain it.”
Homeboyz Entertainment CEO Mike Rabar said the partnership bridges sport and the creative economy.
“This collaboration brings together sports, media, and entertainment. Sport goes beyond the field and rally tracks. I commend Tergat for thinking beyond a one-day awards ceremony,” he said.
The awards also received a Sh2 million boost from Sidian Bank, which pledged to enhance athletes’ financial literacy and entrepreneurial capacity.
The bank’s head of branches, Loice Mwangi, said the lender is keen to support sports talent and promote financial inclusion within the sector.
Representing the Ministry of Sports, Deputy Director Beth Wamalwa Yatich reaffirmed government support for initiatives that strengthen athlete development and recognition.
“Through this collaboration, the government reaffirms its commitment to creating structured pathways for talent identification, development, and recognition,” she said.
Also present at the launch were SOYA nominations panel chair Chris Mbaisi and rally driver Pauline Sheghu, among other stakeholders.